In 2013 the Office for National Statistics found that between 2003 and 2012 1158 care home residents died of dehydration related illnesses – an average of 24 vulnerable people a week.

Warminster independent care service provider, Snowdrop Care has secured the design rights to the innovative ‘Hydrate Me’ band, which helps care givers recognise those at risk from dehydration and malnutrition.

The easy to read vinyl band can be used by hospitals, care homes and those in independent living to show that extra assistance is needed with food and drink.

Drawing on her 17-years in the care profession, Adeline created the wristband after she witnessed a patient being moved around six different wards. The nurses on each ward were unaware the patient needed assistance, which led to the patient’s family going in every day to feed and water their relative.

Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Social Care at The Care Quality Commission says, "Making sure that people using health and care services have enough to drink is really important. Very often they may find it difficult by themselves and will need assistance. Supporting staff to recognise this could be really helpful for everyone.”

Adeline Dalley, founder of Snowdrop Care said, “After seeing first-hand how easily those who need help can be forgotten, I decided that something needed to be done. The 2013 figures released by the ONS are scary and show just how many people are left at risk.

“By developing the easy to read, recognisable band we are helping reduce the chances of legal action being taken against hospitals, poor M U S T scores and the risk of patient illnesses such as UTIs.”

The ‘Hydrate Me’ band is clearly identifiable to all. It displays an easy to understand message, ‘Please help. I am unable to eat or drink without your assistance.’ It is also waterproof, making it hard to smudge, and is hard to remove, meaning the band can travel with patients across multiple wards if needed.

Ideal for frail and vulnerable people, as well as patients with Alzheimers, Parkinsons and other life altering cognitive issues, the new band allows patients to get the care they need without having to vocalise their issues - which isn’t always possible.

Adeline added, “The ‘Hydrate Me’ band helps give a voice to those who may not have one, or cannot express that they need assistance. Now that we have the design rights to these bands, we can begin to make it widely available.”

Snowdrop Care is run by Adeline Dalley, a carer who believes that everyone has the right to be treated with the care that others show their family. Working with The Edith Ellen Foundation, Snowdrop Care works towards proving clients with: dignity, respect, empathy, trust, compassion, loyalty, privacy and the right to live life without fear of neglect and abuse.

Creating a positive change to people’s lives, Snowdrop Care works to the highest standards and the mantra of ‘Care is about what you can do, rather than focussing on what you can’t.

Concerned relatives, as well as NHS trusts and Care Providers can purchase the wristband.